Summer Blooms in Clos Mirabel

July 18 – 25, 2026

Join me  at Atelier Clos Mirabel in 2026 for a week long botanical art workshop in the French Pyrenees ~ South West France. Enjoy wonderful surroundings, delightful accommodation and delicious meals.

About this course: 

Escape to the breathtaking Pyrenees for a week of creativity and inspiration! Join me for an immersive botanical art retreat at Clos Mirabel, where you’ll explore the beauty of summer blooms and refine your artistic skills in a serene, stunning setting. Connect with fellow artists, discover new techniques, and let the vibrant surroundings inspire you. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to create, relax, and grow — all while surrounded by the enchanting landscapes of south west France.

• Dates: from 18 July 2026 to 25 July 2026
• 25 hours of tuition per week
• Medium: Watercolour
• Level: Beginner / Experienced
• Language: English
• Full Board Accommodation: 1595€ to 2895€ per week based on room choice & single or shared occupancy + tuition fee
• Tutor’s Fee: 600 Euros

To reserve your place and accommodation at Clos Mirabel:

https://atelier.clos-mirabel.com/rates-accommodation

Non-painting guests: we are more than happy to welcome non-painting guests, accompanying partners, family or friends. There are plenty of activities to experience around Clos Mirabel, that will make your holiday unforgettable 

Botanical Painting Holiday – Programme Outline:

Saturday
4.00 – Check-in time from 4pm onwards.
Guests arrive, settle in and explore Clos Mirabel
6.00 – An introduction to the course by Mary Dillion over welcome drinks
7.00 – 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace

Sunday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Getting to know your subject…. Choosing, Lighting, Observing, Drawing, Composing
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 4.00 Return to Studio to continue work with individual tuition
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace

Monday
8.30 – 9.15 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
9.30 – Depart Clos Mirabel
10.00 – 12.30 Morning visit to the higher slopes of the Pyrenees to observe alpine plants in their natural habitat, followed by field sketching
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at local Auberge
3.00 – 4.30 Studio: Colour mixing and matching, practicing wet watercolour painting techniques and laying the first washes.
6.00 – An evening talk on prominent local landscape artists by Xavier over aperitif
7.00 – 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Please note this programme may be subject to change depending on the weather.
Please ensure you bring sensible walking shoes, layers, waterproof jacket, water bottle, sunscreen and a hat.

Tuesday
8.30 – 9.30 Breakfast
10.00 – 1.00 Studio: Mixing greens, painting petals, painting leaves, painting shadows
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 4.00 Studio: Layering washes for impact
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace

Wednesday – Free day (Lunch is not provided)
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
Free day to explore the locality. We suggest wine tasting in local vineyard, explore Pau or beyond.
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace

Thursday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast
10.00 – 1.00 Studio: Learn and practice dry brush techniques. Building form and create texture in your painting.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 4.00 Studio
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace

Friday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Studio: The Wow Factor! Finishing with finer details using dry brush techniques. Troubleshooting your painting. Bringing it all together.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 4.00 Studio
6.00 – Evening exhibition in the art studio of Atelier Clos Mirabel with aperitif
7.00 – 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace

Saturday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet Breakfast and departure (Check-out time 11am)

I look forward to seeing you there!

Mary 🌸